New to Toronto Comedy? Friends or Family in town? Follow our recommendations and get in-the-know! See a live comedy show tonight using our listing pages – http://bit.ly/MIWOzv #TorontoComedy 
MONDAY 13, AUGUST 2012
ALTdot Comedy Lounge – Rivoli presents Ron Sparks, Alex Pavone, Rhiannon Archer, Chris Locke, Amanda Brooke Perrin, Jon Schabl, Rose Giles, MC Christophe Davidson and others. Opens Aug 13 9 pm. Pwyc. 332 Queen W. altdotcomedylounge.com.
The Best Of The Second City presents classic and original sketch and trademark improvisation. Aug 6 8 pm, Aug 13 8 pm, Aug 20 8 pm. $14. Second City, 51 Mercer. 416-343-0011, secondcity.com.
Cheap Laughs Monday – PJ O’Briens Irish Pub presents a weekly show w/ Russell Roy and guests. Mon 9 pm. Free. 39 Colborne. 416-815-7562. Check out their Facebook Event!
The Little Comedy Show That Could Jon Kane presents Arthur Simeon, Evan Desmarais, Jordan Foisy, Jy Harris and Rob Mailloux. Aug 13 9 pm. $5. The Avro, 750 Queen E. jonkane.ca. Facebook Event!
The Shisha Show – Naughty Nadz presents stand-up w/ headliner Martha O’Neill, host Blair Streeter and an open mic. Aug 13 9 pm. Free. 1590 Dundas E. 905-232-5577.
Metro Meter-Maid Division – Pilot Week presents the Live Pilot Pitch of Metro MMD! Follow Prescott and Buck, two partners in the world of parking infractions in the big city. Starring Jon Blair and Jocelyn Geddie (The Sketchersons), Rob Baker & Adam Cawley (Second City), Ely Henry (The Classic Supremes), Miguel Rivas (Tony Ho, Frenzy), Jim Robinson (Beerprov), with Mark Andrada (10k2Flight). 8:30pm. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor St. W. Facebook Event!
The improv Gong Show Episode 44: Gong Fishin’ – Electric Theatre and William Nishri presents a totally unrehearsed live comedy based on audience suggestions with show-stopping super powers left in the hands of the audience. Members of the audience can even join the fun onstage! Featuring Jeff Clark, Katie Lai, Matt McCready, Michelle Mohan, and Colin Sharpe. 8pm. The Electric Theatre, 299 Augusta Ave. Kensington
[box type="shadow"] Recommendation:
Tonight, the funniest comedy shows are pitted against each other in a classic East vs. West rivalry. Which will you choose?
West End – The Rivoli has been part of Toronto’s comedic back bone since the 1980′s and continues to consistently deliver high quality shows. Tonight, international comedian Christophe Davidson comes home. After earning his chops here in Canada (Just for Laughs, XM Radio and more) he left to perform all over Asia, Australia and Europe. Translation- his world travels make your trip to the Riv well worth it. As for the rest of the talent, you’re in good hands with Rons Sparks, Alex Pavone, Rose Giles and more!
East End – The Avro hosts some truly reveled comedians. Headlined by Arthur Simeon (JFL, the Halifax, Winnipeg and Cottage Country Comedy Festival, CBC’s the Debaters, Legends in the Making Tour). Also featuring Rob Mailloux (opened for Marc Maron, Brian Posehn, Maria Bamford, Todd Glass, Doug Benson, Greg Proops and Judah Friedlander), Jy Harris (JFL, Comedy Now), Jordan Foisy (producer of the monthly Standup Mystery Theatre at Comedy Bar). This is going to be a good show!
So which will you choose? [/box]
TUESDAY 14, AUGUST 2012
Fall 2012 Mainstage Revue - Second City presents a collection of sketches, songs and improvisations. Opens Jul 17 and runs to Aug 29. $24-$29, stu $15. 51 Mercer. 416-343-0011, secondcity.com.
Yuk Yuk’s Downtown presents the Humber School of Comedy at 7:30 pm, and stand-up Amateur Night at 9:30 pm. Tue. $4. 224 Richmond W. 416-967-6425, yukyuks.com.
Captain Coulier - Pilot Week presents the Live Pilot Pitch by the Casey Brothers! The cast of Captain Coulier reunite to bring you Captain Coulier Episode 1: The Same Old Future in play form! Join us for 25 minutes of really good times as part of the third annual pilot week hosted by Insight Productions and Comedy Bar. 7:30pm. Comedy Bar 945 Bloor St. West. Facebook Event!
Standing On The Danforth - Eton House presents hilarious line up of Toronto’s best comics! Hosted by Jo-Anna Downey. 9 pm. Free. 710 Danforth. 416-466-6161.
IMPROV NIGHT IN CANADA John Candy Box Theatre Students sign up and get drafted on to a team for some high sticking Improv fun! PWYC. Tuesdays at 9pm. 70 Peter Street.
SECOND CITY IMPROV SET- 10pm Free. Second City Mainstage, 51 Mercer St.
THE BULL PEN John Candy Box Have a premise you want to see come to life? Try it out at the show. Actors improvise out premises. It’s a safe, nurturing and FUN environment! JCB Theatre. 7:30pm. (Tonight! Also, Bi-Weekly). 70 Peter St.
IMPATIENT THEATRE CO Clinton’s presents 3 amazing improv shows! Student teams ( 7 pm. Free). Harold Night. (8pm. $5). The Incubator, up and coming improv teams. (10 pm. $5). Late Night Menu, new and developing acts. (11 pm. Free). Tue. Clinton’s, 693 Bloor W. 416-535-9541, impatient.ca
[box type="shadow"] Recommendation:
The Casey Brothers are the epitome of combination writers/producers/performers destined for success. Their most recent project (among several) is the stage adaptation of Captain Coulier showcasing at this year’s Pilot Week at Comedy Bar. Originally a short film acclaimed at the Sundance International Film Festival (while also being Official Selection in both The Atlanta Film Festival and Cinevegas Film Festival, and winner of the Best of the Fest for LA Comedy Shorts), Captain Coulier is the dark comedy following a Space Explorer as he battles intergalactic travels’ greatest obstacle; boredom.
In short, their work ethic and original crossover style promises to carry them to greatness. (Watch The Great Lyndini to see their unique approach to film making.)
Still weary of their forte? How else can we say it-
The Casey’s are the Coen Brothers of Comedy. [/box]
WEDNESDAY 15, AUGUST 2012
Absolute Comedy presents Pro-Am Night w/ Fraser Young, DK Phan, Jeff Paul, Kivork, Rachelle Elie, Sam Farid and host Tim Dimond. Aug 15 8:30 pm. $6. 2335 Yonge. 416-486-7700, absolutecomedy.ca.
East Side Represents – Red Sandcastle Theatre presents a monthly comedy revue w/ Sandra Battaglini, Darla Biccum, Jeanie Calleja, Sarah Carver, Precious Chong, Todd Graham, host Fiona Carver and others. Opens Aug 15 8:30 pm. $10. 922 Queen E. 416-845-9411, redsandcastletheatre.com. Facebook Event!
Spirits Comedy Night presents a hilarious line up of Toronto’s best comics! Hosted by Jo-Anna Downey. 9 pm. Free. Spirits Bar & Grill, 642 Church. 416-967-0001.
Fall 2012 Mainstage Revue – Second City presents a collection of sketches, songs and improvisations. Opens Jul 17 and runs to Aug 29. $24-$29, stu $15. 51 Mercer. 416-343-0011, secondcity.com.
Humpday Humour Muoi Nene Productions present weekly Afrocentric comedy w/ Raïs Muoi and others. Wed 7 pm. Free. Hakuna Matata Sports Bar, 326 Parliament. 416-519-1569.
Laughs @ Slack’s presents a drag-themed comedy night you’ll never forget! Featuring Guest Host Velveeta Von Cheese (aka Heidi Brander). Performances by: Vicki Lix, Joyce Do It, Baby Bel Bel, Peggy Plummer, Celine Dion, Jane Skrovota 8:30 pm. Free. Slack’s, 562 Church. Check out their Facebook Event!
Siren’s Comedy – Celt’s Pub presents open-mic stand-up w/ Jason Schlesinger and host Hannah Hogan. Aug 15 8:30 pm. Free. 2872 Dundas W. 416-767-3339.
Chuckle Co. Presents Deaf Jam Comedy with host DJ Demers (2011 CCA Best Newcomer nominee, Cream of Comedy Finalist). Wed 9:30 pm. $5. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W. Check their Facebook page!
Humpday Humour Muoi Nene Productions present weekly Afrocentric comedy w/ Raïs Muoi and others. Wed 7 pm. Free. Hakuna Matata Sports Bar, 326 Parliament. 416-519-1569.
Top Sketch Canada – Black Swan presents a sketch and improv competition w/ Josh Bowman, Matt McCready, Joe Delfin, Joel Buxton, Alicia Douglas, Meredith Cheesbrough, Ron Sparks, Laura Bailey and host Jen Littlewood. Opens Jul 18 and runs to Aug 22. $5. 154 Danforth. jen.littlewood@gmail.com.
Yuk Yuk’s Downtown presents Paul Smith. Opens Aug 15 and runs to Aug 19. $12-$20. 224 Richmond W. 416-967-6425, yukyuks.com.
TACOMEDY – La Revolucion and Mark Debonis present a night of stand up and tacos! Co-produced and hosted with The Boom‘s Garrett Jamieson every Wednesday at 10pm! La Revolucion, 2848 Dundas St. West.
[box type="shadow"] Recommendation:
We at Comedy Uncovered are about uncovering comedy (obviously, right?). So when the comedians are only half-covered, consider our job half-done. Tonight, we’re going out on a limb to say that the Drag-Themed comedy showcase at Slacks will be bursting from the closet onto the comedy scene as tonight’s best show.
Hosted by the luscious Heidi Brander (Velveeta Von Cheese), the show’s line-up is packed with star-studded fabulousness. Vicki Lix (the pair of legs in the infamous Pride Parade Photo) has been in Toronto’s comedy scene for years (although you can’t tell by looking at her). The comedic experience and showmanship of the tonight’s performers looks promising, charming, and all-around entertaining. [/box]
THURSDAY 16, AUGUST 2012
Absolute Comedy presents headliner Fraser Young, Eman and host Tim Dimond. Aug 16-19. $10-$15. 2335 Yonge. 416-486-7700, absolutecomedy.ca.
Fall 2012 Mainstage Revue – Second City presents a collection of sketches, songs and improvisations. Opens Jul 17 and runs to Aug 29. $24-$29, stu $15. 51 Mercer. 416-343-0011, secondcity.com.
Gorilla Theatre Backyard Spaceship Productions presents four improv directors at the mercy of the audience. Thursdays at 8 pm. $10. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W. 416-661-6540.
Laugh Sabbath presents Bob Kerr, Adam Christie, Sarah Ford, Ben Beauchemin and Terry Clement. Aug 16 9:30 pm. $5.Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W. comedybar.ca.
The Primo Show – Supermarket presents a monthly sketch show! Primo the The Prego Show with Rob Baker, Mark Debonis and musical guest Maylee Todd! Plus lots more!!! Aug 16 9 pm. $10. 268 Augusta. 416-840-0501. Check out their Facebook Event.
Ready, Set, Laugh! – Second City presents an all-ages collection of sketches, songs and improv to benefit the SickKids Foundation. Opens Aug 2 and runs to Aug 31. $14, family pack $48. 51 Mercer. 416-343-0011, secondcity.com.
Yuk Yuk’s Downtown presents Paul Smith. Opens Aug 15 and runs to Aug 19. $12-$20. 224 Richmond W. 416-967-6425, yukyuks.com.\
GAME PLAYA THURSDAY, John Candy Box Students from the Longfrom classes perform! Every Thursday at 8:30pm. Free. John Candy Box, 70 Peter Street.
[box type="shadow"] Recommendation:
Tonight’s best show will be Laugh Sabbath at the Comedy Bar! It’s line up is almost t0o big: Bob Kerr, podcasting guru behind Hold Your Applause and writer for This Hour has 22 Minutes, and Chris Locke, a hilarious long-time Laugh Sabbath veteran (and who just opened for Todd Glass), are sure to make you laugh. It’s also your chance to see Adam Christie (The Comedy Network, MuchMusic, MTV, Global TV, CBC Radio, XM Satellite Radio, on the cover of Now Magazine etc.), and Terry Clement (Cape Town Comedy Festival, Reading Music Festival in England, and the TV show “The World Stands Up” in the UK) who are both going to rock the house.
Meanwhile, check out one of their promo commercials. We suggest you get there early- Toronto is catching on to the comedic firestorm of Laugh Sabbath. [/box]
FRIDAY 17, AUGUST 2012
Absolute Comedy presents headliner Fraser Young, Eman and host Tim Dimond. Aug 16-19. $10-$15. 2335 Yonge. 416-486-7700, absolutecomedy.ca.
The Best Of The Second City presents classic and original sketch and trademark improvisation. Aug 17 11 pm. $24, stu $15. Second City, 51 Mercer. 416-343-0011, secondcity.com.
Fall 2012 Mainstage Revue – Second City presents a collection of sketches, songs and improvisations. Opens Jul 17 and runs to Aug 29. $24-$29, stu $15. 51 Mercer. 416-343-0011, secondcity.com.
FunnyMan All Star Show FunnyMan Inc presents Trixx, Mark DeBonis, Keith Pedro, Garrett Jamieson, Chris Robinson, K Trevor Wilson, Nicholas Reynoldson and host Marc-Anthony Sinagoga. Aug 17 8 pm. $28-$30. Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts, 10268 Yonge. rhcentre.ca
The McComedy Show – The Flying Beaver Pubaret presents sketch, stand-up and short films w/ Shannon McDonough and Michael McLean, plus guests Paul Bellini, Marilla Wex and others. Aug 17-18. $10-$15. 488 Parliament. 647-347-6567. Get your tickets. Facebook Event!
Muslim & Funny Eman, Faisal Butt, Hoodo Hersi, Azfar Ali and host Ali Hassan feed the ‘all Muslims are funny’ stereotype. Opens Aug 17 9:30 pm. $10. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W. 416-551-6540, comedybar.ca.
Ready, Set, Laugh! – Second City presents an all-ages collection of sketches, songs and improv to benefit the SickKids Foundation. Opens Aug 2 and runs to Aug 31. $14, family pack $48. 51 Mercer. 416-343-0011, secondcity.com.
GeekProv – 404 Improv presents a night of geeky comedy! Beyond the fandom improv shows you know and love, The 404s are featured in comedy shows in Calgary and Toronto. 8pm. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor St. West. 404 on Facebook!
Yuk Yuk’s Downtown presents Paul Smith. Opens Aug 15 and runs to Aug 19. $12-$20. 224 Richmond W. 416-967-6425, yukyuks.com.
NAKED FRIDAYS John Candy Box Naked Friday Players do sketch alongside with guest acts, students, and the 7 Day Shorts video challenge! It’s weekly improv, sketch, stand-up and music. Fri 9 pm. Pwyc. 70 Peter. scnakedfridays@gmail.com.
[box type="shadow"] Recommendation:
Tonight’s best show is the FunnyMan All Star show at the Richmond Hill Center for the Arts. The hard work of Funnyman Inc‘s founder , Marc-Anthony Sinagoga, is paying off. His soon-to-be sold-out show (literally) has some of Toronto’s best comics: Trixx (Much Music’s Video on Trial, G98.7 Radio Personality, and just released his new DVD “Iceman”) Mark Debonis (2011 Just for Laughs, 2011 Great Canadian Laugh Off Winner, 2010 CCA Winner), Keith Pedro (Second City, Video On Trial, Sketch Troupe The BOOM), Garrett Jamieson (Winner of CCA for Best Filmed Sketch, Sketch Troupe The BOOM), K. Trevor Wilson, 2012 Just for Laughs Homegrown), and Nicholas Reynoldson (Comedy Records, Absolute Comedy).
We’re telling you, this is going to be an epic show. Check out their local coverage![/box]
SATURDAY 18, AUGUST 2012
Absolute Comedy presents headliner Fraser Young, Eman and host Tim Dimond. Aug 16-19. $10-$15. 2335 Yonge. 416-486-7700, absolutecomedy.ca.
Fall 2012 Mainstage Revue – Second City presents a collection of sketches, songs and improvisations. Opens Jul 17 and runs to Aug 29. $24-$29, stu $15. 51 Mercer. 416-343-0011, secondcity.com.
The McComedy Show – The Flying Beaver Pubaret presents sketch, stand-up and short films w/ Shannon McDonough and Michael McLean, plus guests Paul Bellini, Marilla Wex and others. Aug 17-18. $10-$15. 488 Parliament. 647-347-6567, Tickets here!
The Superstars Of Comedy – Comedy Bar presents Dave Merheje, Jamie O’Connor, Diana Love, Pat MacDonald and host Mark DeBonis. Aug 18 10 pm. $10. 945 Bloor W. 416-551-6540, comedybar.ca. Facebook Event!
Yuk Yuk’s Downtown presents Paul Smith. Opens Aug 15 and runs to Aug 19. $12-$20. 224 Richmond W. 416-967-6425, yukyuks.com.
Comedy at Ellen’s – Ellen’s Bar and Grill presents headliner Rose Giles! Featuring Sean Walton, Justin Laite, Ian Fergus, Kerry Maguire, Alex Crawford, David Crabrera, and hosts Darren Uddenberg and Jeff E. 9pm. 190 Bovaird Drive West, Unit 41, Brampton.
Fan Fiction: Star Trek Edition – Adam Ward & Black Swan Comedy. Fanfiction is what literature might look like if it were reinvented from scratch after a nuclear apocalypse by a band of brilliant pop-culture junkies trapped in a sealed bunker. They’re fans, but they’re not silent, couchbound consumers of media. The culture talks to them, and they talk back to the culture in its own language. Check it. 8pm. 154 Danforth Ave. Facebook Event.
True Stories, Made Up Plays – Sage Tyrtle presents a night of story telling which becomes the basis for improv plays! This months storytellers are Ali Hassan, Liam Gareau, and Chris Hannay, followed by improv troupes Solo Jess Grant, Puns of Brixton and Corgi in the Forest! 10pm. Black Swan Tavern 154 Danforth Ave. Facebook Event.
IMPROV DROP IN WITH RALPH MACLEOD Black Swan Comedy, This 90-minute drop in is led by Black Swan Comedy Artistic Director Ralph MacLeod. No experience necessary. No preregistration necessary. 6pm. $5, 154 Danforth. 416-903-5388.
Jokers Corner – Keesha Brownie presents comedy at Barrie’s Annual Carribean Festival. Performances by Nicholas Reynoldson, Sharif, Gilson Lubin, Crystal Ferrier, Adrian Sawyer with your host Keesha Brownie. Doors @ 8pm. Club Ash Bar and Lounge, Barrie – 705-252-6752. Check out @Keeshabrownie @JokersCorner on Twitter!
[box type="shadow"] Recommendation:
The Superstars of Comedy truly lives up to it’s name. We’ve all heard of Dave Merheje (or maybe even seen him on MTV Live) and Mark Debonis (see all over this page), but what about Pat Macdonald, Jamie O’Conner, and Diana Love?
We saw Pat earlier this year when he delivered a supreme set at Absolute Comedy. His crowd-dominating skills go all the way back to 2010 when Pat competed in the Tim Sims Encouragement Fund. Pat’s likable persona and great writing have earned him a spot with the heavy hitters.
Jamie O’Conner is self-described as “Ontario Banderas,” and is a promising up-and-comer. Although we’re yet to see his performance, he must have earned (and proven) his chops to be alongside these superstars. We’re pumped to see his work!
As for Diana Love- she’s has been busy. Diana just wrapped up a Fundraiser show dedicated to her latest project; a webseries entitled Dumping Dwayne (keep an eye out, it’s going to be good!). She’s opened for world-class comics like Jamie Kilstein, Maria Bamford and Bruce Vilanch, and was on TV for Video on Trial & Comedy Now! In essence, she’s great.
So head down to Comedy Bar to watch some truly phenomenal comics prove they’re the superstars of comedy! [/box]
SUNDAY 19, AUGUST 2012
Absolute Comedy presents headliner Fraser Young, Eman and host Tim Dimond. Aug 16-19. $10-$15. 2335 Yonge. 416-486-7700, absolutecomedy.ca.
Fall 2012 Mainstage Revue – Second City presents a collection of sketches, songs and improvisations. Opens Jul 17 and runs to Aug 29. $24-$29, stu $15. 51 Mercer. 416-343-0011, secondcity.com.
Happy Hour @ Ein-stein presents Matt Holmes, Evan Demarais, Rene Robichaud, Moses Suzuki, Travis Albers, Joel West and others. Opens Aug 19 8 pm. Free. Ein-Stein, 229 College. ein-stein.ca.
Sunday Night Live The Sketchersons present weekly sketch comedy w/ guest hosts and musical acts. 9 pm. $10. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor W. 416-551-6540, thesketchersons.com.
Yuk Yuk’s Downtown presents Paul Smith. Opens Aug 15 and runs to Aug 19. $12-$20. 224 Richmond W. 416-967-6425, yukyuks.com.
My Cousin Quinny – Quinn C Martin presents a comedy show with all new material fearturing Scratch from The Roots! 20$. Hard Rock Cafe at Dundas Square! 279 Yonge St. at Dundas Square! Facebook Event.
Stoner Sundays- Mike Rita presents a comedy night of epic proportions. Vapor Central is a kushy chillaxin vapetastic lounge space home to some of the best comics in the city! PWYC. 9pm. 667 Yonge St. Visit them on Facebook. Check out their home online.
THE BENCH John Candy Theatre presents a night of upcoming improvisers hand picked by the Second City! Every Sunday at 9pm, John Candy Box Theatre 70 Peter Street. PWYC.
SECOND CITY IMPROV SET- 9pm Free. Second City Mainstage, 51 Mercer St.
[box type="shadow"] Recommendation:
Mike Rita’s Stoner Sundays is one helluva comedy room. This past week, Vapor Central saw the likes of Kyle Dooley (PicnicFace) and K. Trevor Wilson (this year’s Just For Laughs Homegrown Winner) drop in to perform among a plethora of other recognized comedians. The room’s vibe is chill and relaxed, while its ‘open stage’ concept allows every form of entertainer (from music to magic) to showcase their passion for over 80 interested patrons. The room’s set up like a massive apartment, so go early, claim a comfy front row leather couch, and laugh (and/or smoke) the night away. [/box]
